Physical therapy is a broad category that covers many different kinds of treatments. Physical therapists are experts in the human body and can help you get back to your best self with just a few sessions. If you’re an athlete, they might be able to help you recover from an injury, or if you’ve been struggling with chronic pain, physical therapy can be used as part of a treatment plan. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of physical therapy. What kind is right for you? Types of physical therapy:
Neurological physical therapy:
This type of PT is for conditions that affect the brain and nervous system. You might need this if you’ve been experiencing seizures, nerve pain, or numbness in your limbs. This type of Physical Therapy (PT) can help with issues affecting the brain and nerves like epilepsy, limb paralysis from strokes, or other neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Neurological physical therapy can help patients to improve their muscle tone, increase strength and regain movement. When you can move more freely, it can lead to reduction in stress levels following an injury or health event. Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy:
Cardiopulmonary physical therapy helps patients improve cardiovascular (heart) and/or lung health. The goal of cardiopulmonary rehab is to help patients maintain and recover lung function while also strengthening their cardiovascular system. This is achieved through exercises designed to strengthen the heart and lungs, increase physical endurance and improve overall body strength.
Cardiopulmonary physical therapy is designed to treat acute conditions like asthma and chest infections, along with a range of chronic cardiac and respiratory conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and cystic fibrosis (CF). Cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy is also recommended for anyone recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery.
To learn more about the details of Cardiovascular and pulmonary therapy, click here.
Pediatric physical therapy:
A pediatric physical therapist treats children under 18 years of age — from 1-day-old babies and toddlers to teenagers. They typically treat conditions related to genetic, neurological and orthopedic disorders. When it comes to pediatric physical therapy, the goal is the same: to help children achieve their best possible level of physical development. This is done by helping them develop and maintain their mobility skills, joint range of movement, muscle strength and motor skills, using specific exercises, stretches, techniques and specialized equipment.
Sports medicine rehabilitation:
Sports medicine is concerned with the treatment and prevention of injuries resulting from sports and exercise. Sports physical therapy may include treatments geared towards conditioning and injury prevention, as well as osteopathic manipulation, rehabilitation, or injections. In addition to injury treatment, sports medicine physicians help patients manage chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes and hypertension, along with mental health issues that may affect performance or participation in exercise.
Geriatric physical therapy:
Geriatric physiotherapy is a field of physical therapy that focuses specifically on the needs of aging adults. A geriatric physical therapist helps treat conditions like arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease, balance disorders, cancer, joint replacement, osteoporosis, stroke and Parkinson’s disease. Physical therapy is also often recommended for seniors who are recovering from an injury or surgery. Treatment is designed to optimize the aging process by helping restore mobility, increase fitness levels and reduce overall pain.
Orthopedic physical therapy:
Orthopedic physical therapy focuses on improving the function of your entire musculoskeletal system, which includes your bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, joints and connective tissue. Any condition that causes pain or reduces mobility as a result of damage to bony or soft-tissue structures, such as an injury resulting from a fall, sports or repetitive use of a joint, can benefit from orthopedic physical therapy.
Final takeaways
Physical therapy is often used to help people rehabilitate from an injury or illness. However, many different types of physical therapy can be applied depending on a person’s needs and circumstances.
If you’re in need of rehabilitation, there’s no better way than with the help of a qualified professional. Contact Rehab.com to find a Physical Therapist near you.